What Is 2002 African Cup of Nations

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2002 African Cup of Nations was co-hosted by Mali from January 19 to February 10, 2002, with Cameroon winning their fourth title by defeating Senegal 3–2 in the final. It was the first time the tournament featured 16 teams divided into four groups of four.

Key Facts

Cameroon won the 2002 African Cup of Nations by defeating Senegal 3–2 in the final
The tournament was co-hosted by Mali from January 19 to February 10, 2002
This edition marked the first time 16 teams participated in the final tournament
Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon was named Player of the Tournament
The final match was held at Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali

Overview

The 2002 African Cup of Nations was a landmark edition of Africa’s premier football competition, marking the first expansion to 16 participating teams. Co-hosted by Mali, the tournament ran from January 19 to February 10, 2002, and featured a new group-stage format that allowed more nations to compete at the highest level.

This edition was notable for both its competitive balance and dramatic conclusion, culminating in Cameroon claiming their fourth AFCON title. The tournament also served as a qualifier for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, adding extra stakes for national teams aiming for global representation.

Cameroon emerged victorious by defeating Senegal 3–2 in a tightly contested final held in Bamako, securing their fourth championship in tournament history.
Mali served as the sole host nation, organizing matches across four cities: Bamako, Ségou, Mopti, and Koulikoro, showcasing the country’s growing infrastructure.
The tournament expanded to 16 teams for the first time, up from 12 in previous years, reflecting the Confederation of African Football’s push for inclusivity.
Group stages were introduced with four groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to a knockout phase.
Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon was named Player of the Tournament after scoring four goals and leading his team to victory in multiple crucial matches.

How It Works

The structure of the 2002 African Cup of Nations introduced a new competitive framework that influenced future editions of the tournament. With more teams involved, the format emphasized consistency and depth over single-match performances.

Group Stage Format: The 16 teams were divided into four groups of four. Each team played three matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
Knockout Rounds: After the group stage, eight teams entered a single-elimination bracket, including quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final match.
Host Nation Role: Mali hosted all matches, providing stadiums, logistics, and security, though some venues required upgrades to meet CAF standards.
World Cup Qualification: The tournament doubled as a qualifier for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, with the top three teams earning berths to represent Africa in Korea/Japan.
Player Eligibility: Only players registered with their national federations and meeting CAF criteria were allowed to participate, ensuring competitive integrity.
Award System: Individual awards were given for top scorer, best player, and best goalkeeper, with Eto’o, Salif Diao, and Aliou Cissé among the honorees.

Comparison at a Glance

Compared to previous editions, the 2002 African Cup of Nations introduced structural changes that redefined the tournament’s scale and competitiveness.

Feature	1998 AFCON	2002 AFCON
Number of Teams	12	16
Host Country	Burkina Faso	Mali
Champion	South Africa	Cameroon
Top Scorer	Kalusha Bwalya (4 goals)	Samuel Eto’o (4 goals)
Final Venue	Stade de la Communauté Urbaine, Ouagadougou	Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako

The expansion to 16 teams allowed countries like DR Congo, Tunisia, and Morocco more opportunities to compete at the highest level. This shift also increased broadcast appeal and commercial interest in the tournament, setting a precedent for future growth.

Why It Matters

The 2002 African Cup of Nations was a turning point in African football history, influencing both tournament structure and continental representation on the global stage. Its legacy extends beyond the pitch, impacting how nations prepare for international competition.

The expansion to 16 teams became standard in subsequent editions, increasing inclusivity and competitive depth across Africa.
Cameroon’s victory qualified them for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where they competed against Germany, Ireland, and Saudi Arabia.
Mali’s successful hosting demonstrated that mid-tier football nations could organize large-scale events with proper support.
Samuel Eto’o’s rise to prominence began here, launching a career that would make him one of Africa’s greatest players.
The tournament highlighted the importance of youth development, as several standout performers were under 23 years old.
Increased media coverage and sponsorship deals followed, boosting the financial sustainability of CAF tournaments.

Overall, the 2002 edition set a new benchmark for organization, competitiveness, and legacy in African football, shaping the future of the sport on the continent.